Top Highlights from the Jamaica National Championships 2025

Jamaica, known as the sprint capital of the world, hosted its JAAA National Senior Championships this past weekend at the National Stadium in Kingston.

Jun 30, 2025 by Nia Gibson

Top Highlights from the Jamaica National Championships 2025

Jamaica, widely known as the sprint capital of the world, hosted its JAAA National Senior Championships this past weekend at the National Stadium in Kingston. Held earlier than most global trials, the meet delivered several standout performances and key storylines as the country gears up for the World Championships. Here are the main takeaways:

Women’s 100m – A Farewell to Mommy Rocket and a New Era

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, arguably the greatest female sprinter of all time, qualified for her eighth World Championships and thirteenth national team. In what was her final race on home soil, she clocked 10.91 to finish third behind Shericka Jackson (10.88) and Tina Clayton (10.81), who claimed her first national title and set a massive personal best.

Despite the continued absence of former Olympic champion and second-fastest woman in history, Elaine Thompson-Herah (still battling Achilles issues), Jamaica’s depth in the women’s sprints remains impressive. However, the event did take a hit when Tia Clayton pulled up mid-race with a hamstring injury. Still, the Jamaican women’s 100m team looks formidable heading into Tokyo.

Changing of the Guard – The Clayton Twins Step Up

With Fraser-Pryce preparing to exit the sport, the spotlight is now on the Clayton twins, Tia and Tina. Both just 20 years old and alumni of Edwin Allen High School, they represent the next generation of Jamaican sprint dominance. Tina, who previously won the World U20 title in 10.95, delivered a breakout performance by running 10.81 in the final — a huge personal best that secured her national title and World Championship berth.

Tia, who holds a personal best of 10.86, equaled that mark in the semifinals before her unfortunate injury in the final. Despite the setback, she remains a crucial part of Jamaica’s sprint future.

Kishane Thompson Runs World-Leading 9.75

Kishane Thompson made history by becoming the sixth-fastest man ever, clocking a blistering 9.75 to win the men’s 100m title. The Stephen Francis-coached sprinter showcased exceptional form and fluid mechanics, separating from the field with ease. When asked if he surprised himself with his new personal best, Thompson confidently said, “To be honest, I don’t think I am ever going to surprise myself”.

There was also a moment of concern for Oblique Seville, who appeared to have hamstring discomfort before the final. However, he went on to finish second in 9.83 (a season’s best) and looked injury-free, solidifying his place on the team. He later withdrew from the 200m, likely as a precaution to avoid aggravating his hamstring ahead of Worlds.

Shericka Jackson: All Eyes on the 200m

With an automatic berth in the 200m at worlds, reigning 200m world champion Shericka Jackson focused solely on the 100m this weekend, finishing second to Tina Clayton. With her absence from both sprint finals in Paris last August still fresh in fans’ minds, curiosity surrounds her 200m form going into the global stage. Early signs are promising, especially given Jamaica’s earlier national championship schedule compared to countries like the U.S., whose trials run into late July/early August.

Growing Depth in the Women’s 400m

Jamaica’s strength in the women’s 400m continues to build. Leading the charge is Nickisha Pryce, a former Arkansas Razorback. After running 48.89 at last year’s NCAA Championships breaking the collegiate record and Jamaica national record, she lowered her own personal and national record to 48.57 on the Diamond League circuit, making her the eighth-fastest woman ever over the distance. She defended her national title with a season’s best of 49.97.

Dejanea Oakley followed closely in second with 50.08, and Stacey-Ann Williams matched that time for third. Oakley, who was NCAA runner-up earlier this month where she ran 49.65, gives the team added strength. With this depth (including 400m hurdlers who could be called up) Jamaica has a legitimate shot at medaling in the 4x400m relay. At the last World Championships, they finished second behind the Netherlands, while the U.S. was disqualified for an out-of-zone baton exchange.

Short Hurdles: A Mixed Bag

Reigning world 100m hurdles champion Danielle Williams, who has an automatic berth for Tokyo, appeared to use the trials as a tune up, competing in both sprints for race reps. Megan Tapper claimed the national title in 12.34, edging out national record holder Ackera Nugent, who ran 12.41.

On the men’s side, Orlando Bennett won the 110m hurdles ahead of Demario Prince. However, Olympic gold medalist from Tokyo, Hansle Parchment had a surprising sixth-place finish, and reigning Olympic bronze medalist Rasheed Broadbell did not start the final due to a last minute injury.

Team Jamaica has finalized its roster for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. With Diamond League meets and pre-Worlds competition ahead, we’ll soon see what these results mean for the rest of the season and how they shape up heading into Tokyo.

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FloTrack Archived Footage

Video footage from the event will be archived and stored in a video library for FloTrack subscribers to watch for the duration of their subscription.

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